James "Richard" Alford

James “Richard” Alford, age 70, passed away Monday, June 22, 2015. Born in DeFunick Springs, Florida, he moved to Houston in his teens. He worked as a mechanic and became owner of Al & Norval Auto Service. He still had many customers who would call him personally once he retired to work on their cars. He has loved to hunt and fish since he was young and would never turn down a chance to go. When he was young he would go fishing and if at the end of the day he didn’t have a bucket full of fish, he would pick berries on his way home to fill his bucket up so his grandmother could make him some pies. He also caught a 65 lb Tarpon off the Texas Coast and has traveled to New Mexico to hunt mountain lions. He could tell you some good hunting and fishing stories as well. He was animal lover who enjoyed feeding deer, birds, and any neighborhood strays. But most of all he just enjoyed being able to do it while spending time with family and friends. He had a wonderful way with children and they always put a smile on his face. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren and was more than happy to talk about them anytime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Thelma Alford; and brothers, Glenn, Everett and Randall Alford. Survived by sons, Richard Troy Alford and wife Lisa Cheryl and Jack Dale Alford and wife Karen; grandchildren, Brittany Alford, Troy Michael Alford, Kristina Aleman and husband Robert, and Jennifer Spaulding and husband Frank; 3 great grandchildren, Jack Aleman, Savannah Spaulding and Scarlett Spaulding; sisters, Ellene Alford and husband George and Carolyn Alford; and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 26, 2015 at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2015 in the Chapel of Earthman Resthaven. Interment will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.